The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a hammock-like structure stretching across the bottom of the pelvis, from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone (coccyx) at the back, and side to side between the sitting bones (ischial tuberosities)

. It separates the pelvic cavity above from the perineum below and supports the pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel, and in women, the uterus and vagina

. Functionally, the pelvic floor muscles:

• Support the pelvic organs, helping to maintain their proper position and function

• Control the openings of the urethra, vagina (in females), and anus, enabling voluntary control over urination, defecation, and, in women, vaginal function

• Play a role in sexual function for both men and women, contributing to sexual sensation, arousal, and in men, erectile function and ejaculation

• Assist in core stability by working with deep abdominal, back muscles, and the diaphragm to support the spine and regulate abdominal pressure, especially during activities like lifting or straining

• In women, the pelvic floor supports the baby during pregnancy and must relax during childbirth

Anatomically, the pelvic floor is sometimes called the pelvic diaphragm and is formed mainly by the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, along with associated connective tissues and fascia

. It has two main openings (hiatuses): the urogenital hiatus (for the urethra and vagina in females) and the rectal hiatus (for the anal canal)

. The pelvic floor also interacts with breathing mechanics: it moves downward during inhalation and upward during exhalation, coordinating with the respiratory diaphragm

. In summary, the pelvic floor is essential for supporting pelvic organs, maintaining continence, enabling sexual function, and contributing to core stability and breathing